I ask "do they actually work" working on the basis that I cant sing for toffee, and you cant, as they say, polish a turd.

I have always thought it would be nice to be able to sing properly - not to any fantstic standard, but so as I dont, in the words of Alan Partridge, "sound like a trapped boy" when I do.

I am having a Phil Connors style epiphany on life at the moment.

I can gaurentee you they work im not sure how much they where but my sister has had them and she is brilliant now and is even singing at my wedding,she couldnt sing till she had them but be careful if your a smoker some tutors like you to quit smoking cos smoking effects your singing.good on ya mate charlie

You can always improve. Whether you will be anything other than competent is another matter.
I've seem lots of 'talentless' people learn how do do stuff competently, so that they really enjoy the activity.
Being good or exceling at it, is another matter, especially in the more creative spheres.

Just done a search to see if there's any recommendations for signing tutors in the Sheffield area and this was all that came up. I'm in a similar state of mind to mikebayly; i don't want to sing professionally or even at karaoke, I just want to be able to hold a tune so that when i am working with proper singers i can record a demo with a rough 'guide vocal'.
Any suggestions?

I quite fancied the idea as well, recorded myself over a track and thought 'wont be doing that again anytime soon'

But they say everyone has a voice... its just about controlling it and using it to its best suited style I suppose...but as guitar lessons are about 18-20quid an hour I'm guessin vocals would be simliar price..and i cant afford that kinda expense.

...but as guitar lessons are about 18-20quid an hour I'm guessin vocals would be simliar price..and i cant afford that kinda expense.
Yes that's the problem isn't it? It's quite a lot of money to find out if you can sing or not.
I already sing in a choir and through that have been taught basic breathing and posture techniques, but I'd love to have 1-1 vocal coaching just for someone to say either:

a) Yep - you've got something we can work on
b) Stick to being a voice in the choir
c) How the hell did you get in a choir? :hihi:

I think at they do work to a certain extent. However, having watched X-factor's behind the scenes' tv programmes about the auditions. People don't even know if they are in tune or not. Their ears don't recognise tunes. :confused: I think that its safe to say even judges don't think that music lessons will help those to learn from scratch. I'm sure those who are musical and have a little bit of talent can polish up their singings. Hence lessons will help. For those that cannot sing in tune, and their ears do not recognise the sound from their own voice, music lessons may not help.

[Added] Oops. Just read the OP's original post. Although, there is nothing to stop you doing anything in life or to try. Why not for the hell of it, enter competitions for fun anyway ? It didn't stop any of the X-factor contenders, and some real talents were discovered. Especially for those who had dedicated their life to the music. There were some real stunners in the 'worst and best' singers' tv programme on freeview the other day.

So, for the Phil Connors moment, go for it !

Singing lessons can definitely help improve everyone's singing voice. There are actually far less deaf-tone people out there than the general public thinks...

What is true is that a lot of times, limited singing skills are associated with lack of self-esteem and singing lessons (provided they are with someone who is qualified and has specialized in teaching voice) can be a great boost to one's confidence. After all, the voice is an instrument and like all instruments needs training.

I am an experienced musician and singing teacher and have met numerous people who were initially insecure about their ability to sing and after taking lessons with a suitable teacher managed not only to sing in tune but more importantly to feel proud of themselves.

Of course, some individuals are more talented than others but you don't have to be a professional to enjoy singing; singing is a basic human activity that can fill us with joy and shouldn't be a source of frustration.

I currently teach singing in the Sheffield area, if anyone is interested to learn more about my teaching methods, fees etc. please PM me.

If you genuinely are tone-deaf, then singing lessons will not help you; but, as said, almost nobody is tone deaf. If you can tell the difference between the higher and lower note of an old-fashioned police siren, you are not tone-deaf; just a completely rubbish singer. Those can be improved.

It's a strange one.

I know I can sing but don't particularly rate my voice. That is, the actual sound of it. It is too thin so I tend to play it safe when either playing live (a rare thing) or when doing the odd karaoke. The latter I'm careful to sing songs I know and have sung before usually knowing not just the words but the key it is written in (and thus, the actual chords of the song).

When I actually record my own stuff, I can record most vocal tracks in one or two takes (usually 'dropping in' over any glaring howlers). In fact, I've got demo recordings where whilst there are a few bum notes in the instrumentation, my vocal performance is near to perfect. But, as I said, it's the sound of my voice which makes the difference between my being happy playing an instrument (guitar or drums, I don't mind which) and being a backing vocalist, over being a frontman and lead vocalist.

I know instantly when I'm out of tune! I've had many nice comments about my singing - indeed my voice - but I know for a fact that I'm a decent singer and that's it: I CAN sing, but I'm not a potential Freddie Mercury or Elvis Presley.

Pass me my guitar and let me get on with it whilst some real singer does the stuff up front.

It's a strange one.

I know I can sing but don't particularly rate my voice. That is, the actual sound of it. It is too thin so I tend to play it safe when either playing live (a rare thing) or when doing the odd karaoke. The latter I'm careful to sing songs I know and have sung before usually knowing not just the words but the key it is written in (and thus, the actual chords of the song).

When I actually record my own stuff, I can record most vocal tracks in one or two takes (usually 'dropping in' over any glaring howlers). In fact, I've got demo recordings where whilst there are a few bum notes in the instrumentation, my vocal performance is near to perfect. But, as I said, it's the sound of my voice which makes the difference between my being happy playing an instrument (guitar or drums, I don't mind which) and being a backing vocalist, over being a frontman and lead vocalist.

I know instantly when I'm out of tune! I've had many nice comments about my singing - indeed my voice - but I know for a fact that I'm a decent singer and that's it: I CAN sing, but I'm not a potential Freddie Mercury or Elvis Presley.

Pass me my guitar and let me get on with it whilst some real singer does the stuff up front.

Fair enough...Our voice colour can't be changed. Everything else can.

oops...reading my previous post it's 'tone-deaf' and not 'deaf-tone'... :)

If there's a few people who'd like a singing lesson, I wonder if we could get together for them and share the cost? Anyone reckon that would work?
I'd like to sing a little better, in the same way as MysTique!!

Having a group lesson is always an option although it couldn't really be more than 3 people...It's difficult for the teacher to concentrate on what everyone's doing and it would end up being a chorus instead of a private lesson. Not a bad idea though considering that the cost would be lower (it wouldn't be as low as the 1/3 of the usual fee however..).

Of course, you would have to form the group yourselves and agree on the days and times that you're free to have the lesson. This is my usual practice and that's what I would expect from my students although other singing teachers may disagree...

Hope this helps

Having a group lesson is always an option
an embarrasing option if you really really think your bad...:hihi: 1 person seeing you flounder is ok.. in a group its a bit harder on the ego :P

Glad I found this thread. It's something I've always wanted to do, even to be able to sing "Don't you want me baby" on karaoke, lol. I've PM'd you Marka

What is true is that a lot of times, limited singing skills are associated with lack of self-esteem
I probably wouldn't say lack of self-esteem.. more a lack of self confidence really. You can have a wonderful voice but when it comes to singing in front of people - nerves can have a disastrous effect!

I'd be happy having a lesson in a small group of people as I'd be far too worried about how crap I was doing to judge anyone else. :hihi:

Where are you based Marka?

I ask "do they actually work" working on the basis that I cant sing for toffee, and you cant, as they say, polish a turd.

I have always thought it would be nice to be able to sing properly - not to any fantstic standard, but so as I dont, in the words of Alan Partridge, "sound like a trapped boy" when I do.

I am having a Phil Connors style epiphany on life at the moment.


Do you know, I believe singing lessons,like dancing lessons,may come back into fashion.Its a way of expressing ourselves,we need to get away from our computers & t.v. and get back to some "practical work" :hihi: :hihi:

I had singing lessons for a year or so a couple of years back and enjoyed them (With Peter Taylor; http://www.petertaylor.biz/teaching.html) ... but...

While learning music theory etc. is essential, as I already play guitar to a reasonable standard I think that being able to sing well is largely down to practice, with lessons being more helpful after you've already developed the muscles etc. for singing. Listening / pitching exercises and learning intervals also seem pretty fundamental. Not sure that lessons would necessarily be very much help at the absolute outset of learning from having never done it before, more about just practising for a while - Singstar for the PS2 is great!

I can't sing at all, incidentally, pretty bad - but it's a huge improvement on what it was before I started trying to sing. I have a very deep voice and less than amazing range which doesn't help, but I feel like in a few years time I might be good enough to sing in company without being savagely beaten.

I had singing lessons for a year or so a couple of years back and enjoyed them (With Peter Taylor; http://www.petertaylor.biz/teaching.html) ... but...

While learning music theory etc. is essential, as I already play guitar to a reasonable standard I think that being able to sing well is largely down to practice, with lessons being more helpful after you've already developed the muscles etc. for singing. Listening / pitching exercises and learning intervals also seem pretty fundamental. Not sure that lessons would necessarily be very much help at the absolute outset of learning from having never done it before, more about just practising for a while - Singstar for the PS2 is great!

I can't sing at all, incidentally, pretty bad - but it's a huge improvement on what it was before I started trying to sing. I have a very deep voice and less than amazing range which doesn't help, but I feel like in a few years time I might be good enough to sing in company without being savagely beaten.Come on then give us a few lines this Wednesday teatime.!

Ha, you'll not get a peep out of me! ;) And your ears will be grateful...

Ha, you'll not get a peep out of me! ;) And your ears will be grateful...
and I thought you were going to give us a bit of "The Sound Of Music" :hihi: Mind you I suppose yours was classical stuff. :gag:

I had singing lessons for a year or so a couple of years back and enjoyed them (With Peter Taylor; http://www.petertaylor.biz/teaching.html) ... but...

While learning music theory etc. is essential, as I already play guitar to a reasonable standard I think that being able to sing well is largely down to practice, with lessons being more helpful after you've already developed the muscles etc. for singing. Listening / pitching exercises and learning intervals also seem pretty fundamental. Not sure that lessons would necessarily be very much help at the absolute outset of learning from having never done it before, more about just practising for a while - Singstar for the PS2 is great!

I can't sing at all, incidentally, pretty bad - but it's a huge improvement on what it was before I started trying to sing. I have a very deep voice and less than amazing range which doesn't help, but I feel like in a few years time I might be good enough to sing in company without being savagely beaten.

Singing lessons are especially important at the beginning when the danger of overusing/misusing your vocal instrument is particularly eminent. Yes, of course you need to practice while you're having the lessons (no teachers will do miracles) but you need to know how to practice, which exercises are particularly good for you and what to avoid. There are many examples of people that have damaged their voice just because they didn't know what was safe to sing and what was not.

To summarize it: the laryngeal muscles are quite sensitive so are our vocal chords. Having lessons with a suitable teacher at an early stage will ensure you don't harm your voice.

Marka,

Where in Sheff are you and how much per lesson?

Muchos Gracias

Marka,

Where in Sheff are you and how much per lesson?

Muchos Gracias

id like to know the same things :)

Hi i am a singing teacher and it is definatly important to learn a few tricks to make sure you dont over stretch your voice because then you can damage it perminantly. It also helps because you learn how to breathe correctly which helps you to sing without constantly gasping (which sounds horrible) also helps you with projection and confidence. I offer performance techniques alongside my singing so you can have the whole package. Sometimes its just a bit of fun and some people find out that they have a voice. You will be suprised. Anntonia Espejo

Yes that's the problem isn't it? It's quite a lot of money to find out if you can sing or not.
I already sing in a choir and through that have been taught basic breathing and posture techniques, but I'd love to have 1-1 vocal coaching just for someone to say either:

a) Yep - you've got something we can work on
b) Stick to being a voice in the choir
c) How the hell did you get in a choir? :hihi:

Hey MysTique
To get answers to your questions: download the free trial of listening-singing-teacher. The program will give you feedback on pitch, rhythm and loudness. And if all are ok, or you make progress by repeating the exercises, then you have got something you can work on. Singing on pitch and time, and not shouting during a silent period, will give you confidence and allow you to join almost any choir.

Get yourself down to Hillsborough on Saturday and save yourself some cash!
We could do with some more voices. The tunes (or lack of them) are few. They have a very small register and you'll fit in perfectly in pitch, even if you're 3 semi tones flat.
Within a few weeks you'll have a proud, loud, out of tune voice.

Loopgarou,

Singing out of tune, singing breathy, or broken all have their place in music to express spezial moods or feelings.
However, singing out of tune or out of rhythm to the accompaniment for a longer time period gets very fast annoying. Because harmony is built upon physical laws.
Learning how to control your voice is easy, if you get visual feedback. By seeing what changes your voice produces to your efforts, you realize, what you must do to go up or down. And sooner or later you will be able to control your voice faster and preciser, in terms of pitch, rhythm and loudness. And knowing that you can hit the notes at the right time gives you the needed self confidence to avoid total failures. So if you hear yourself singing out of tune, you know, you can correct your voice within seconds and be back in tune with the accompaniment. If you do not feel comfortable enough, just keep on practicing. The more you practice correcting your voice, the better your process to hit a note will get. Good luck!

Singing lessons at Practice Sheffield. Have a look at the website for info!

They sure do work. :-)

I'm a singing teacher in Sheffield and have helped lots of people to sound how they want to sound, even when they think they can't sing.

I charge £35 per lesson.

If you're interested, take a look at my site -

www.vocaledge.co.uk (http://www.vocaledge.co.uk)

Voice lessons with Paul Newman, Singing Teacher in Sheffield & Manchester.

I am very interested but nervous ever since I was in school and in choir and didn't think I was that good

Hiya all,
Practice Sheffield does singing lessons thanks to our vocal coach; Kate Hogan.
She charges £22.50 per hour.

Give us a call if you want to try her out, dont be shy!
0114 2729080

I am an experienced singing teacher based near Dore. I teach all genres of music to pupils of all ages and ability.

I have a 100% pass rate in my pupils singing exam entries and I teach with the belief that singing lessons should always be enjoyable and rewarding.
I am CRB checked and have a B Mus, PGCE and am soon to complete my M Mus in performance.

The price of a singing lesson is £25 an hour or £12.50 for half an hour.
If you are interested in lessons please email me at emmamagenty@gmail.com.

Learning to sing works 100% as long as you have a qualified teacher who knows their stuff. It can be very rewarding and really make a difference in a short period of time as long as you put the practice in. Tuning your vocals can be as much about using your ears as it is your voice. Find a qualified teacher with professional experience and an enhanced disclosure in your area and they will keep you right. Expect to pay around £30-£60 per hour.

At Harmony Music School we teach vocal lessons for all ages and abilities. We also have an offer on at the moment whereby you can get your first two lessons half price. For more information you can visit our website www.harmonymusicschool.co.uk or you can email info@harmonymusicschool.co.uk or you can call us on 0114 2576780.

If you have any questions just give me a shout

Abby
Harmony Music School

Hi all, I'm seriously thinking about signing up to lessons in the next few days or so and have a question that may seem silly but here goes. Is it better for a male learner to have a male vocal coach?? Personally i would prefer a guy as i am one too, not that i have anything against lady coaches of course! it's just my gut feeling that this would be better for me as a guy. Please feel free to shoot me down....

Also i am looking at Paul Newman, Paul Taylor at Harmony, kate Hogan and Peter Taylor as coaches. But which one?? :)

Hi all, I'm seriously thinking about signing up to lessons in the next few days or so and have a question that may seem silly but here goes. Is it better for a male learner to have a male vocal coach?? Personally i would prefer a guy as i am one too, not that i have anything against lady coaches of course! it's just my gut feeling that this would be better for me as a guy. Please feel free to shoot me down....

Also i am looking at Peter Newman, Paul Taylor at Harmony, kate Hogan and Peter Taylor as coaches. But which one?? :)

Pete Taylor. But then I don't know the others!

Hi Jamie,

The vocal coaches you've listed teach different styles, so it really does depend on what style you want to learn. Use that as a way of narrowing your search and then give each individual a call and have a chat with them. That should help you decide. It's always worth booking in a short session with more than one coach to see who's teaching style and personality works best for you.

Hope that helps a little! :)

Hi Jamie,

The vocal coaches you've listed teach different styles, so it really does depend on what style you want to learn. Use that as a way of narrowing your search and then give each individual a call and have a chat with them. That should help you decide. It's always worth booking in a short session with more than one coach to see who's teaching style and personality works best for you.

Hope that helps a little! :)


Yes sorry should have said, i want to be coached in the contemporary style, essentially i'd like to be as versatile as possible, but i suppose so does everyone.

Paul Taylor is a fab vocal coach who specialises in classical voice, I teach down at Harmony also and our crossover students always speak highly of him.

Peter Taylor, I think specialises in classical and musical theatre.

Do you mean Paul Newman? I've not heard of Peter Newman but Paul teaches a variety styles.

I specialise in contemporary from Musical Theatre through to Rock.